NATIONAL SAFETY & QUALITY HEALTH SERVICE (NSQHS) STANDARDS
The NSQHS Standards were developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health care to provide “best practice” guidelines for all health care facilities. The primary aim is to protect the public from harm and to improve the quality of health service provision.
All licensed day hospitals must be accredited to the NSQHS to operate.
Southport Day Hospital is fully accredited to these Standards.
For further information about the NSQHS please visit:
INTERPRETERS
It is vitally important that you, your family/carer and the hospital staff communicate important information to you and that you understand this information.
Patients who require interpreters will need to arrange their own accredited interpreter prior to the day of surgery. Family members are not considered appropriate interpreters. The hospital has a list of accredited interpreters you may engage, or you may discuss with your doctor prior to admission.
Interpreters must be available at admission and must stay at the hospital or be contactable during your entire stay and upon discharge.
ADVANCE CARE DIRECTIVES/PLANS – ENDURING POWERS OF ATTORNEY
If you have any of these documents, it is imperative we are provided with a copy, so that we are fully aware of your wishes. We are more than happy to make a copy on your day of surgery.
DETERIORATION & ESCALATION OF CARE
Our patients and carers play a vital role in providing information to the healthcare team. If at any stage during your hospital admission you or your family/carer identify any deterioration in your condition or have concerns about your care, you are encouraged to call for assistance immediately.
You can do this by:
- Pressing the call button for the nurse near your bed or chair
- Asking to speak to the nurse in charge
- Asking to speak to your doctor
You will be provided with an AFTER HOURS phone number for your doctor if you have any concerns once discharged.
IN AN EMERGENCY – CALL 000, or go directly to your closest emergency centre for assistance.
INFECTION CONTROL
Southport Day Hospital has a comprehensive infection control program in place.
Our hospital regularly conducts audits on staff and our hospital processes to ensure compliance.
Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is considered a primary measure for reducing the risk of transmitting infection. You will find hand sanitiser throughout the hospital for your use.
Infection prevention
If you have any respiratory symptoms, cough, cold, sore throat, diarrhoea, please do not enter the hospital. Contact your doctor in the first instance and notify the hospital. Your surgery may be cancelled.
You may be asked to undertake COVID-19 testing if required.
BLOOD CLOTS
Some patients may be at higher risk of developing blood clots in their legs or lungs. You will be screened prior to admission to assist our nursing staff to minimise your risk.
As a way of providing preventative care and dependent on your procedure and your doctor’s requirements, you will be fitted with compression stockings upon admission. You will also be attached to a compression device during your procedure.
ALLERGIES
It is vitally important that you disclose all information to your doctor and our nurses concerning any allergies you may have to drugs or other products (eg. food/dressings).